D91 Update Dec 6, 2024

Cell phones have become a central part of our daily lives, connecting us to the world through calls, texts, social media, and the internet. According to the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, nearly 95% of Americans own cell phones, with 77% owning smartphones. Globally, close to 3 billion people rely on smartphones.

While cell phones offer convenience and connection, overuse can have unintended physical and academic consequences, particularly for children and teens. Research has linked excessive cell phone use to stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and even depression. This dependency can also negatively impact academic performance, often due to lack of sleep or insomnia caused by late-night phone use.

How can parents recognize if their child is struggling with unhealthy cell phone habits? Some signs include feeling anxious or depressed when their phone is unavailable, difficulty reducing screen time, or strained relationships due to excessive phone use.

Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children toward balanced and healthy phone usage. Setting boundaries and monitoring screen time can help young people enjoy the benefits of technology while maintaining their overall well-being and academic success.

Superintendent Karla LaOrange

Emily Kvamme of Taylorview Middle School shares what she likes about the Intervention Model.

Question: I am experiencing more behavior issues in my classroom. Is there a plan to address these increased challenges?

Behavioral challenges in schools are a concern we take seriously, and I want to express my appreciation for our teachers’ dedication and professionalism in navigating these situations. Their ability to manage behaviors ranging from classroom disruptions to more severe incidents is truly remarkable. I also recognize the importance of ensuring our teachers feel safe, supported, and equipped to handle these challenges effectively.

To address this, I convened the Behavior Committee, a group of Kindergarten through 12th-grade educators committed to studying student behaviors and the district's response systems. This committee held its first meeting in November, during which subcommittees were formed to dive deeper into specific behavior types and the supports available at each grade level. The data gathered will inform the committee’s development of a survey, needs assessment, and recommendations aimed at enhancing support for teachers.

This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for both teachers and students. Please stay tuned to the newsletter for updates as the Behavior Committee progresses. I am excited to work alongside this outstanding group of educators and look forward to sharing their findings and recommendations!

Please feel free to submit any inquiries through the following link: Ask the Superintendent

I’m thrilled to announce an exciting new way to connect with you—our very own district podcast! This podcast will provide insights into the incredible things happening in our schools and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re working to support student success.

As we begin this journey, I’d love your input. What topics would you like to hear about? Here are a few ideas to get us started:

• Updates on district initiatives and programs
• Tips for supporting your child’s learning at home
• Highlights of student achievements and teacher innovations
• Insights into how the district operates (e.g., budgeting, curriculum decisions, safety measures)
• Interviews with educators, students, and community partners

Your feedback will help us create content that’s meaningful and engaging. Please share your suggestions using the following link. Podcast Ideas Survey

Thank you for being such an integral part of our district family. I’m excited to embark on this new adventure together and keep the lines of communication open in a fun and accessible way!

D91 is holding weekly committee meetings to determine future curriculum. All meetings are held at the District Office and are open to the public. Agendas will be posted on ifschools.org 48 hours prior to the next meeting.

Here is the schedule.

• High School World History, Economics, and Government: Tuesdays at 4:30 pm
• High School Math Curriculum Committee: Wednesdays at 4:30 pm
• K-6 Music Curriculum Committee: Thursdays at 4 pm

We are also looking for parent volunteers to review the proposed curriculum and provide us feedback. If you are interested, please email Todd Brown at browtodd@sd91.org.

The Idaho Falls School District #91 Learning and Instruction Department is conducting a review of our Gifted and Talented program and is seeking parent and community committee members. The committee aims to study our GT program at all grade levels to determine its effectiveness and ability to meet the needs of gifted students.

The committee will develop a report with recommendations for the Board of Trustees. Some topics the committee will review include state GT requirements and monitoring, program design and alignment, identification and accessibility, instruction and curriculum, student outcomes and impact, family and community engagement, and resources and funding.

If you are interested in serving as a parent or community committee member, please complete the information using the link.

• Dec 23-Jan 6: Christmas Break, No School
• Jan 7: School Resumes
• Jan 20: MLK Day, No School
• Jan 28: D91 College and Career Fair at Mountain America Center
• Feb 13: Parent Teacher Conferences for Secondary Schools, Early release for Middle Schools
• Feb 14: On-line Learning day for Secondary Schools/Teacher Comp Day
• Feb 17: Presidents Day, No School

The Idaho Falls High School Chamber Choir delighted holiday shoppers at the Grand Teton Mall with a performance Thursday night. The IFHS Choir will be presenting Christmas at the Colonial Wednesday, Dec 18 at 7pm at the Colonial Theater. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

Looking for a unique winter break experience? The Idaho Falls Zoo’s Winter Break Day Camp offers a fun way for kids to learn how we can give back to nature with small actions that make a big difference.

• Ages 8-10: Monday, December 30 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Ages 11-13: Tuesday, December 31 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

• Ages 5-7: Friday, January 3rd from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

You can find more details here.

The Idaho Falls School District #91 Calendar Committee is working on new school calendars for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 school years. The committee wants to hear your ideas about important things like start and end dates, holiday breaks, spring break, parent-teacher conferences, and back-to-school nights.

Your feedback will help make sure the calendars work well for students, families, and staff. We want to create calendars that meet the needs of our school community. Please share your thoughts and be part of the process by completing our calendar survey, linked here.

Compass Academy senior Quincee Gose is using her senior capstone project to help provide clothes to those in need by holding a clothing swap. People were able to come and take what their family needed. No charge. No questions asked. Thank you for showing how D91 students are positively impacting the community.

We want to wish good luck to our D91 students competing at the state drama championships in Twin Falls this weekend. The drama programs in D91 are so amazing. We have such talented students with great teachers guiding them. Break a leg!!

Congratulations to Skyline's Zyan Crockett for being named the MaxPreps Idaho High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior helped the Grizzlies to a 10-3 record and Class 5A state runner-up finish. Crockett was Skyline's leading receiver and rusher, hauling in 52 receptions for 939 yards and 10 touchdowns while running 107 times for 737 yards and 13 scores. He is the 2nd Grizzly in three years to win the honor after Kenyon Sadiq was honored in 2022.

Congratulations to IFHS Volleyball coach Aaron Adams for being named the 5A HCC coach of the year. Grace Fuger is the co-player of the year. Plus Lilly Dayley, Addi Bowen, Emma Vollmer, Averi Look, and Leah Thomas all made All-Conference First Team. Congratulations once again on a great season.

In support of the NFHS and the IHSAA, District 91 is encouraging sportsmanship at athletic events by participating in the #BenchBadBehavior campaign. Watch for videos like this one below when you attend D91 home events this winter season. Thank you to the student athletes for helping us spread the word.

Longfellow Elementary: Reading Intervention Tutor Part-time

Administrative Office: School District Facilities Director

Elementary Department: PASS Teacher (Behavior Program Teacher)

A.H. Bush Elementary: PASS Teacher (Behavior Program Teacher-Elementary)

Hawthorne Elementary: Special Education Aide

Linden Park Elementary: Special Education Support Aide-Limited Full-time

Idaho Falls High School: Part-time Custodian II

Longfellow Elementary: Special Education Support Aid (CNA Preferred) Limited Full-time

Emerson Alternative High School: Special Education Support Aide-Limited full

See all current openings here.